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BENEFITS INFORMATION

2025 Benefits Guide – Excluding Michigan
2025 Benefits Guide – Michigan Only

Benefits Eligibility

You are eligible for benefits when you are an actively employed full-time employee.  Newly hired full-time employees become eligible for medical, dental, and vision coverage after 30 days of employment with coverage effective on the upcoming first day of the month. Employees transferring from part-time to full-time positions and individuals on assignment through a staffing arrangement and converting from contract or temporary status to regular full-time status are provided credit toward the 30 day requirement and may be eligible on the first day of the upcoming month.  

Many of the plans offer coverage for eligible dependents, including:

  • Your legal spouse
  • Your domestic partner, as defined by Smithers policy
  • Your child(ren), including a stepchild, a legally-adopted child, or a child for whom you are the legal guardian (age limits vary by plan)
  • Your dependent children of any age who are physically or mentally unable to care for themselves

Electing Benefits

You can sign up for or change your benefits elections at the following times:

  • During annual benefits open enrollment period (elections take effect January 1st)
  • On the 1st day of employment, election must be made within 30 days of eligibility as a newly hired employee
  • Within 30 days of experiencing a qualifying life event

Examples of Qualifying Life Events

  • Marriage
  • Birth or adoption of a child
  • Change in dependent’s status
  • Divorce, legal separation
  • Gain or loss of coverage
  • Change in work status

Termination of Coverage

Your benefits coverage will terminate at the end of the month following:

  • The date in which you terminate employment for any reason including death
  • The date in which you no longer meet the eligibility requirements
  • The date in which contribution payments are not received
  • The date any benefit plan is terminated
  • The date you enter the armed forces on active, full-time duty except as covered under USERRA

Section 125

By participating in the 125 Cafeteria Plan, you authorize your employer to reduce your gross compensation in the amounts listed on the Salary Reduction Agreement you signed. The benefit election amounts will be adjusted automatically pursuant to any premium changes rendered by the vendor. For a copy of the Section 125 Plan Document please contact Human Resources.